 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: fontan29
Date: 2008-06-17 02:00
I finally did it....I left the Buffet Mafia. I had been playing on an R-13 for the past 11 years, and after adding a Backun Traditional Barrel and a Cocobolo bell, I was intrigued and started to look into playing on the Leblanc by Backun Clarinets since the bell and barrel were so good.
I purchased a Leblanc by Backun Symphonie with a Fat Boy barrel and a TRT mouthpiece and I am very excited about having it. The tone is awesome- very clear, full of core and the tone is very even throughout the entire clarinet. I had been very happy with my R-13, but wanted to see if I could find something with a better tone and something that was more in-tune throughout the entire range. I also had eaten though the nickel keys of the Buffet and had made it through the copper underneath on most of the keys.
I bought my new clarinet from John Parrette (Principal Clarinetist of the West Point Band) and I must say that I have had such a positive experience buying my horn from him that I am recommending everyone I know in the market for a new clarinet to him. John is a very nice guy and a great repair technician who just let the instruments sell themselves. He was very helpful giving guidance when I asked for it. Everything on the clarinet was set-up perfectly and John worked to make everything perfect for me. I got to try out many combinations on the clarinet and he was very patient as I tried things out. In short, the experience of buying a clarinet should be fun, easy and patient and that was exactly what I found in working with John.
If you are looking for a new clarinet, be sure to look John up at his website (www.clarionmusical.com). I highly recommend him if you are looking to purchase a new horn or just to have work done on your current one- he works on any make of clarinet. It is very refreshing that I no longer have to drive the hour it would take to get my clarinet to one of the repairmen in NYC (plus no more paying for the gas and all of the tolls!).
BTW, I also purchased a Leblanc by Backun Cadenza for one of my students, along with a Fat Boy barrel and cocobolo bell for it. What a great clarinet! I used to have my students go out and buy R-13's because they are great clarinets, but these new Cadenzas play just as well as the Buffets, but more in tune, with a more even tone throughout the clarinet. You get more clarinet for a much lower price. No more bad plating as well!
Be sure to check out the Clarion Musical Services (yes, they are an affiliate of Backun Musical Services): http://www.clarionmusical.com. You will not be disappointed! Thanks again John!
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Author: DavidBlumberg
Date: 2008-06-17 02:10
Hmm, free shipping too! (checked price and it says that in the checkout).
John is a very good guy - I bought my first Chedeville Mouthpiece from him a long time ago.
But I'm still head of the Phila. branch of the Buffet Mafia ........
http://www.SkypeClarinetLessons.com
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Author: Ed Palanker
Date: 2008-06-17 02:34
Thanks for listing his web page, I wasn't aware of it. He has a good stock of pieces. I use the Backun bells and barrels and a few of my students use his mouthpiece. It's good to know I have a source to get everything to try in the US now. His father used to play bass clarinet at the Eastern Music Festival years ago with me for many years and I remember John when he was younger when he would visit his father during the summer. One of my former students plays in Johns quartet at West Point. ESP www.peabody.jhu.edu/457 (Listen to a little Mozart)
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Author: Tom Puwalski
Date: 2008-06-18 00:10
John Parrette recently did the 250,000 note maintenance on my Leblancs and did a really nice job. I don't care who designs a clarinet when they're new and you ride them hard the first years wear is kinda "non-linear". They feel good, da da da da da da dah! I know john is selling the leblancs, but I'm sure he will still pimp some Buffets if you ask him nice.
Tom Puwalski, the artist formerly known as Sarge
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Author: Koo Young Chung
Date: 2008-06-18 00:59
The link doesn't work.
Now it works.
I wish it had pictures of diff. barrels/bells.
Post Edited (2008-06-18 02:58)
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Author: Ed
Date: 2008-06-18 01:09
If you go to the Backun site, you can see all the flavors.
Post Edited (2008-06-18 03:39)
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Author: jparrette
Date: 2008-06-18 18:29
Greetings all -
Adam - Thanks for the kind words! It was my pleasure to meet you and work with you. Please call again anytime!
Tom - I'm glad you're happy as well. To all who haven't done this yet, go to YouTube and listen to Tom's many recordings. All excellent!
David - Thanks to you too for the endorsement! I'd forgotten about the Chedeville mouthpiece. Your Bartok parts are on the way.
Eddie - Also great to hear from you. It's been a long time.
Koo Young - Thanks for the website suggestion. Honestly, I've been so busy with repair work to work much on the website. I'll get more pictures up soon. If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me.
My biggest thanks go to Morrie Backun, who suggested I start this business last year. He's been my biggest supporter, and has taught me nearly everything I know about clarinets. (Hi Morrie - I hope your travels are going well!)
John
John Parrette
CLARION MUSICAL SERVICES
john@clarionmusical.com
914-805-3388
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Author: Chris2787
Date: 2013-02-22 13:48
I just have to say I am currently working with John Parrette and he is absolutely phenomenal. I'm in progress of buying a Leblanc by Backun Symphonie Bb Clarinet. He has answered all questions I've had and he is extremely knowledgeable and professional. I'm so happy and grateful my friend referred him to me. I personally wouldn't go to anyone else.
I am very excited to finally move away from Buffet, although great instruments, I am looking to open and broaden my horizons. I've heard nothing but great reviews for the Leblanc/Backun clarinets. Morrie Backun and his staff are absolutely amazing people to work with. I've had such a positive experience all around.
I'm excited to be a part of the new "clarinet revolution".
Chris Ljucovic RN, CCMA, EMT-B
CLjucovic@aol.com
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Author: Bill Patry
Date: 2013-02-24 16:20
I have worked with John for many years. His work is fantastic, quick, and reasonable. Two weeks ago he took apart and vastly improved a bass and a basset horn whose keys were way too pinched. I recommend him highly.
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